RSS Feedhttp://10.40.239.128/blogs/rss-feed/Blog RSS Feeden{1783A37B-07BF-4FBE-B3EC-E56AD6780266}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2015/01/is-air-quality-affecting-your-health/Is Air Quality Affecting Your Health?<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">You may have heard that air pollution is associated with many health problems, including respiratory problems (asthma, allergies, pneumonia, and bronchitis) and cardiovascular disease (arrhythmia, heart attacks). Air pollution is indeed correlated with an increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for these conditions, while cleaner air is correlated with a decrease. What you might not know is that ever since we started measuring air pollutants and studying their effects on our health, the evidence has been growing that they affect us in other ways too:</p>
<ul>
<li>Infants who are exposed to air pollution in utero can be born prematurely or underweight and can have birth defects. This leads to a higher risk of brain, respiratory, and digestive problems early in life, and of heart disease and diabetes later on. We don&rsquo;t know which pollutants cause these problems, but certain common ones that are in cigarette smoke may be responsible.</li>
<li>Children who live near freeways and heavy traffic and are chronically exposed to high levels of air pollution, especially particulate pollution and carbon monoxide, are more susceptible to inflammation of the lungs, reduced lung function, chronic cough, and bronchitis. They also have more asthma attacks and worse asthma symptoms.</li>
<li>Various cancers, especially lung cancers, are caused by carcinogens in polluted air. Four to eight percent of all deaths can be attributed to air pollution (including about 1,000 premature deaths along the Wasatch Front annually).</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b>What can you do to protect yourself and your family?</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>Reduce emissions.</b> Use public transportation, carpool, and drive slower on freeways to increase vehicle efficiency. If you can, ride a bike or walk. Avoid burning wood.<b></b></li>
<li><b>Stay indoors.</b> Air conditioning and heating units filter out many of the particles in the air that you would be breathing outdoors. Exercising indoors (or above the pollution) can protect your lungs from dangerous particles.<b></b></li>
<li><b>Minimize your exposure.</b> Avoid high-traffic, industrial areas where air is most polluted. If you have the chance, visit one of Utah&rsquo;s nearby canyons to enjoy clean air above the inversion.<b></b></li>
<li><b>Take medications as directed. </b>If you are affected by poor air quality, ask your health-care provider what to do when your symptoms get worse. Never increase dosages on your own.<b></b></li>
<li><b>Pay attention to warnings. </b>Follow the guidelines of local media outlets for improving air quality, especially on &ldquo;yellow&rdquo; and &ldquo;red&rdquo; days. Talk to your lawmakers about how you can help.<b></b></li>
</ul>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">For up-to-date reports on ozone levels and air quality in your county, visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality website: airquality.utah.gov</p>Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700{7C41E9FE-3A57-4AA7-A733-2A832072A8F0}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2015/01/five-new-year-resolution-mistakes-you-can-still-fix/Five New Year&#39;s Resolution Mistakes You Can Still Fix<p>In most cases, the resolutions are simply not specific enough, not realistic, and are not measurable, which makes them almost impossible to keep. It's time to reevaluate your resolutions and/or make some resolutions you will actually keep by avoiding these common mistakes.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Eat healthier<br />
</strong><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">While this sounds like a great resolution, similar to 'getting in shape,' the goal is much too ambiguous. What does 'healthier' even mean? Tweak this goal by focusing on specifics that make your diet healthier or make you more fit. Maybe you want to increase the number of vegetables you eat daily, reduce the frequency of eating out, or start taking the stairs at work. It&rsquo;s much easier to have a specific goal to work on so you can measure it and have a defined goal in your mind to help you visualize what you actually need to be doing.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><strong>2. Lose 60 pounds in the next year<br />
</strong>If you're overweight, losing weight is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, there are a couple of problems with setting a goal like this. First, you&rsquo;re focusing on an outcome instead of a behavior. Weight loss is a symptom of behavior change, so again, focus on behaviors that lead to weight loss like tracking everything you eat and drink or wearing a pedometer to increase the number of steps you take in a given day. Second, this resolution is too long term. Losing 60 pounds may take a year, or longer to lose and you may&nbsp;get discouraged because it's human nature to want things now. Instead, choose a smaller, short-term weight loss goal. I recommend working in increments of 5 pounds and keep in mind that healthy weight loss recommendations are 0.5 pounds to 2 pounds per week.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. I'll cut out sugar<br />
</strong>Reducing added sugars is wonderful to do, but any time you make an ultimatum, you are setting yourself up for failure. Elimination diets lead to feelings of deprivation and often leads to overeating or bingeing. Instead, identify what high-sugar foods you&rsquo;re consuming and think of ways you can realistically reduce your intake. Choose to limit regular soda to just a few times per week, or switch to oatmeal with dried fruit in the morning instead of a donut. With additives like sugar and salt, it takes our taste buds a while to acclimate to a reduction, so you'll be more successful if you reduce these in increments instead eliminating cold turkey.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>4. I'm joining the gym<br />
</strong>Gym memberships can definitely increase physical activity and offer many conveniences not otherwise available. However, nearly everyone has been in the situation where they joined the gym, went a few times and January, then NEVER went again. When setting fitness resolutions, evaluate your current lifestyle and your motivation. Just signing up doesn't guarantee you'll go, so ask yourself what you will do realistically. For most people, time, is the number one reason cited for not exercising, so focusing on short bursts of physical activity is more important than trying to set up gym glasses or relying on long, continuous activity. Focus on ways to increase your daily physical activity, like walking at least 7,500 steps per day or take three, 10 minute breaks during the day to go walking, run the stairs, do jumping jacks, or jump rope. If the gym is something you really do want to do, get a buddy and set up a schedule. Make yourself accountable for the number of times you'll go the gym per week and stick to it. The most important thing is establishing a pattern, even if you cannot stay as long as you would like, just getting there is more than half the battle.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. Forgetting about your resolutions<br />
</strong>The absolute worst thing people do with their New Year's resolutions is not following through. Set resolutions that can be built upon and schedule times to check in our how you are doing with your resolution. I recommend evaluating monthly. Many people find it helpful to post resolutions on the refrigerator or mirrors so they&rsquo;re seen daily, increase your accountability by telling friends and loved ones about your goals and asking for support. Your resolutions should evolve over the year. An example of building on a goal would be: adding in a vegetable with lunch 3 days per week for a month. Check in and bump that goal up to 4 days a week, or every day that week. Keep building every month until you've reached your goal of 3 servings/cups of vegetables per day.&nbsp;</p>Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700{EE9477CC-A5AF-4179-A11C-20D2BA430F68}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2015/01/looking-for-innovation-in-healthcare-at-ces-2015/Looking for innovation in healthcare at CES 2015<p>We aren't going to CES just to play with cool new tech. We want to see what impact all the new devices and other technology will have on the healthcare industy. At CES 2014 we saw 4K TVs take the stage with incredible picture quality. 4K TVs are not just to be hung over the fireplace at home. They also have the potential to make an impact in telemedicine, providing a clearer picture for patient-physician interactions. </p>
<p>We were also excited by the advances in wearable devices. Our mission is to help patients live the healthiest lives possible. Wearable devices help people take more responsibility for their health. They can also provide information to caregivers. At CES 2015 we expect the industry to have grown and provide new interesting developments. Stay tuned on this topics as we will be covering it heavily live. </p>
<p>We'll analyze other tech we checked out last year to see what improvements have been made. These include augmented reality (Oculus), home health, and 3D printing. We saw Oculus and have some interesting ideas about its impact on healthcare - more to come from CES 2015. </p>
<p>We will be posting several blogs and videos live from CES 2015 as we see new tech that can impact healthcare. Stay tuned and please let us know if there is anything at CES 2015 you would like us to check out while on site. </p>Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700{63DC6431-B01D-4A39-AAC9-8F4E87F611F6}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/a-goal-without-a-plan-is-just-a-wish/A Goal Without a Plan Is Just a Wish<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It&rsquo;s that time again --&nbsp;a new year!&nbsp; With every New Year our minds start focusing on goals and resolutions we wish to accomplish in the coming months. For many, those goals will center on health and fitness.&nbsp; Gyms will be full, fridges will be stocked with healthy foods, and the latest fitness tracker will be on our wrists.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">But if your goal is to lose weight, or get into better shape, what is your plan to accomplish these goals? It has been said that &ldquo;A goal without a plan is just a wish.&rdquo;&nbsp;The Intermountain LiVe Well Center can take your wishes and help create a plan to accomplish your goals. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">A good plan is created with the good data and the LiVe Well Center has two tests that will give you important data in reaching your weight loss or fitness goals.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Body Composition </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">A scale can&rsquo;t tell the difference between a pound of muscle and a pound of fat.&nbsp; That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s better to measure your body composition rather than weight.&nbsp;We use the BOD POD Body Composition Tracking System&mdash;the Practical Gold Standard&mdash;to measure body composition. The analysis will determine your:</p>
<ul>
<li>Certified body weight&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li>
<li>Body fat percentage&nbsp;&nbsp; </li>
<li>Total lean body mass</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Understanding the proper balance between lean and fat mass is essential for optimal health and fitness. This test will give you a starting point for your goals and we will show you ways to increase your lean mass and reduce body fat.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Understanding your body&rsquo;s metabolic rate is vital in order reach your weight loss and fitness goals.&nbsp; An RMR test determines the amount of calories or energy you need to function while at rest.&nbsp;Once you know your metabolic rate you can</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Calculate your caloric intake to&nbsp;maintain or lose weight&nbsp; </p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Calculate how many calories you burn during exercise</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">With your results we can develop a plan to effectively use your metabolism and regulate your dietary intake.&nbsp;You will know how many calories you need to eat to safely reach your weight loss goals.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">These tests will make your gym time more meaningful, food choices more valuable, and fitness tracker more effective.&nbsp;You will not only have important information about your body, but a plan to achieve your fitness goals.&nbsp; We wish everyone a Happy New Year and better health in 2015.</p>
<i>The Intermountain LiVe Well Center - Salt Lake is located at 389 S 900 E in Salt Lake City.&nbsp;To schedule an appointment for a&nbsp; Body Composition or RMR test please call 385-282-2700.</i>Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{9F184947-EE43-4DA5-B386-3D3BEF67EE6F}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/ecigarettes-the-facts/The Facts About E-CigarettesWhat are e-cigarettes?
<p>E-cigarettes are devices that turn nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals into vapor that you inhale (smoke or "vape"). E-cigarettes are tobacco products. </p>
<p>Many e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes. Others look like everyday objects like pens or small flashlights. They come in a variety of colors, and the vapor comes in different flavors. Some flavors — grape, gummy bear, and tutti-frutti — appeal to children. </p>
<p>E-cigarettes consist of an electronic device and a canister that holds a liquid solution. (The solution is sometimes called e-liquid or e-juice.) The device has a heating element that vaporizes the solution. The vapor contains a variety of chemicals, often including nicotine. </p>
<b>
Are they safe to use?
Because e-cigarettes are still fairly new, scientists don’t yet know their long-term health effects. However, <b>experts agree that e-cigarettes may be unhealthy. </b>This is based on these facts:
</b>Because e-cigarettes are still fairly new, scientists don’t yet know their long-term health effects. However, This is based on these facts:
<ol>
<li>E-cigarette users experience many of the same physical effects as smokers. These include increased heart rate, tightening of the airways in the lungs, and short-term increase in blood pressure. </li>
<li>The vapor from e-cigarettes contains chemicals known to cause cancer in humans, such as formaldehyde. E-cigarettes aren’t well regulated, so users may be exposed to a variety of dangerous chemicals. The chemicals may come from the metal or plastic devices, which can get quite hot when used. Or they may come from the solution in the cartridges, which typically don’t list all ingredients. </li>
<li>It’s difficult (or impossible) to ensure that users are receiving a safe amount of nicotine. Multiple studies have shown wide ranges in the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes. Nicotine has even been found in products that were sold as nicotine-free. In general, users of e-cigarettes receive much more nicotine than smokers of regular cigarettes. </li>
These include increased heart rate, tightening of the airways in the lungs, and short-term increase in blood pressure. E-cigarettes aren’t well regulated, so users may be exposed to a variety of dangerous chemicals. The chemicals may come from the metal or plastic devices, which can get quite hot when used. Or they may come from the solution in the cartridges, which typically don’t list all ingredients. Multiple studies have shown wide ranges in the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes. Nicotine has even been found in products that were sold as nicotine-free. In general, users of e-cigarettes receive much more nicotine than smokers of regular cigarettes. </ol>
<p><b>What about "secondhand vapor"? </b></p>
<p>Since e-cigarettes produce vapor, not smoke, many people assume they’re safe to use indoors and around children. Unfortunately, new research suggests that <b>secondhand exposure from e-cigarettes is potentially harmful. </b>People exposed to the nicotine emissions from e-cigarettes show similar effects to those who are exposed to nicotine from secondhand smoke. Also, blood tests reveal that they have nicotine in their systems. Secondhand vapor may also transmit other dangerous chemicals to non-users and children. </p>
<p>
<b>Do e-cigarettes help you quit regular cigarettes? </b>
</p>
<b>
Although there are anecdotal reports that e-cigarettes have helped people quit smoking, the science isn’t yet clear. Current population-level research suggests that e-cigarettes don’t help you quit. In fact, it suggests they may lead to an increase in smoking:
</b>Although there are anecdotal reports that e-cigarettes have helped people quit smoking, the science isn’t yet clear. Current population-level research suggests that e-cigarettes don’t help you quit. In fact, it suggests they may lead to an increase in smoking:
<ol>
<li>Adults who use e-cigarettes are more likely to continue smoking rather than quit. </li>
<li>In former smokers, using e-cigarettes may trigger the urge to smoke again. </li>
<li>Children who use e-cigarettes often progress to smoking regular cigarettes and to using both products (conventional and e-cigarettes). The CDC has called e-cigarettes "the gateway to smoking." </li>
</ol>
<p>Clinical trials under way right now will help resolve the question of whether e-cigarettes have a role to play in helping people quit. Until then, it’s best to stick with products that are proven to work when used as directed (nicotine patch or gum, medication). Support programs such as Freedom from Smoking (ffsonline.org) have also been shown to be effective. </p>
<b>
What is the danger to children?
</b>E-cigarettes pose a serious health threat to children for many reasons:
<ol>
<li>E-cigarettes are marketed to children and young adults. Advertised in social media and other youth-oriented contexts, e-cigarettes can taste like candy or fruit. (Vanilla, chocolate, grape, and bubble gum are popular.) They can look like colorful pens or flashlights. The packaging may feature cartoon-like characters. It doesn’t include health warnings and isn’t childproof. </li>
<li>E-cigarette usage is exploding. E-cigarette use doubled from 2011 to 2012 among middle and high school students and young adults. In Utah, e-cigarette use among young people tripled in the last three years. Some communities have use rates as high as 20% (30%, if you count experimentation). </li>
<li>Free samples are common at youth events. E-cigarettes are available for purchase in stores and online by children and teenagers. </li>
<li>Accidental nicotine ingestion by children is increasingly common. U.S. poison control centers report a significant increase in calls about exposures to e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine. In the last 4 years, calls regarding e-cigarette exposures increased over a hundred-fold. </li>
<li>Children are often involuntarily exposed to other people’s e-cigarette vapor. Unfortunately, children are also especially vulnerable to the poor air quality created when others smoke or vape indoors. In Utah, state law prohibits e-cigarettes wherever smoking is prohibited. </li>
</ol>Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{22098082-8137-416F-883E-AF1152BEF214}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/rare-disease-brings-lds-missionary-home-early/Rare disease brings LDS missionary home early; Treatment is helping him prepare to return to England<p>Elder Cottrell had only been proselyting on the streets of Leeds, England, for a few weeks when he noticed a tingling feeling in his hands and feet. His limbs grew progressively worse over the next few days, eventually landing him in the hospital. By the time doctors had determined what was wrong &mdash; a rare disorder called Guillain-barr&eacute; syndrome &mdash; he could barely move on his own. His doctors decided to send him home to Utah for recovery.</p>
<p>&ldquo;When we saw him at the airport we could barely recognize him,&rdquo; said Joey&rsquo;s mother Kim Cottrell. &ldquo;My daughter had to point him out to me. He had lost so much weight. I thought he&rsquo;d only been sick a little while, so I was surprised at how fast he&rsquo;d deteriorated. But we tried to hide the tears and put a happy face on things.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T0j5Kf9E0YQ" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Joey was admitted to the Neuro Specialty Rehabilitation Unit at Intermountain Medical Center to begin his recovery. The unit was recently awarded a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, indicating the facility&rsquo;s outstanding care for patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, serious trauma, and of course debilitating illnesses like Joey&rsquo;s. </p>
<p>In order to earn this accreditation, the unit underwent a rigorous peer review process and an on-site visit by a team of surveyors. &nbsp;This is the seventh time the unit has achieved this honor.</p>
<p>The Neuro Rehab program first opened in 1989, and many of the same employees have been with the program ever since. &ldquo;I think that&rsquo;s really the secret to our success,&rdquo; said Brad Zollinger, Director of Rehab Services at Intermountain Medical Center. &ldquo;We have a lot of people here who are very good at what they do and care deeply about the patients we&rsquo;re helping. They love what they do, and it shows.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The Cottrell family couldn&rsquo;t agree more. &ldquo;The staff here was so wonderful, so sweet,&rdquo; Kim said. &ldquo;They worked so hard with Joey. Every day he could do a little bit more, he was a little bit stronger and I just couldn&rsquo;t believe it. It was amazing to watch. I was just so pleased with everything.&rdquo;</p>
Joey spent about two months in the Neuro Rehab unit undergoing daily therapy and is now continuing his recovery at home. He still struggles a bit with weakness and balance, but has made a remarkable recovery and recently passed his driver&rsquo;s license test. He hopes to be fully recovered and ready to return to his mission by early February.
<div>---------------------------------------------------------<br />
<p>Joey's story was picked up by news organizations in Salt Lake City and a few of the stories are listed below.</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1284&amp;sid=32823154" target="_blank">Mormon missionary overcomes paralysis, heading back to field</a> (KSL)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://fox13now.com/2014/12/19/lds-missionary-makes-rapid-recovery-after-coming-home-early-with-rare-disorder/" target="_blank">LDS missionary makes rapid recovery after coming home early with rare disorder</a> (Fox 13)&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/centerville-teen-a-rehab-success-after-paralysis-f/19060/NlzYhkQU0kyfcOMamVxIHw" target="_blank">Centerville teen a rehab success after paralysis from rare disease</a> (ABC4)<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865618136/Once-paralyzed-LDS-missionary-heading-back-to-field.html?pg=all" target="_blank">Once paralyzed, Mormon missionary heading back to field</a> (Deseret News)<br />
</span></li>
</ul>
</div>Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{6915C74C-2EE0-4D40-B18E-F5C0284CDF7F}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/intermountain-medical-center-among-first-sites-for-new-cancer-study/Intermountain Medical Center Among First Sites for New Cancer Study<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The Oncology Clinical Trials team has recently opened a new study (NRG BN001) to enrollment.&nbsp;We're pleased to share this accomplishment for our department! &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">As you can see <a href="https://www.nrgoncology.org/Portals/0/News/Newsletters/2014/NRG%20Newsletter%20Vol5%202014%2011_20.pdf">here</a>, on page 3 of the NRG newsletter in the "Shout Out to Sites" section, Intermountain Medical Center is listed as one of the first sites to provide IRB approval for the study.&nbsp;<br />
<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><strong>NRG BN001 is a randomized&nbsp;phase II trial of hypofractionated dose-escalated photon IMRT or proton beam therapy versus conventional photon irradiation with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.</strong></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The purpose of this study is to compare a different radiation therapy schedule and higher radiation dose [higher dose group] to the standard dose of radiation therapy [standard dose group]. This is a two arm study in which both groups will receive the usual chemotherapy, temozolomide. The higher radiotherapy dose could shrink&nbsp;the cancer, but it could also cause side effects. This study will allow researchers to know whether this higher dose is better, the same, or worse than the usual approach. To be better, the study should increase life by six months or more compared to the usual approach.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Two methods of giving radiation therapy will also be compared. They are proton beam radiation and intensity-modulated radiation.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">People who are not in a study are usually treated with radiation and temozolomide followed by temozolomide alone. For patients who receive the usual approach for this cancer, about 4 out of 100 are free of cancer growth at five years.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Dr. Grant Hunter at Intermountain Medical Center is the principal investigator for Intermountain Healthcare on this study. The trial is open statewide. The Oncology Clinical Trials Executive Counsel fully supports the study to give patients with glioblastomas options for their cancer care.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">I am pretty proud of my team and this is a wonderful accomplishment for us!</span></p>Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{F8D9A7A9-0110-4524-91AA-8F90DEFAE5CD}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/utah-jazz-center-derrick-favors-sprains-ankle/Utah Jazz Center Derrick Favors Sprains Ankle
<p>Utah Jazz Center Derrick Favors recently sprained his ankle in the final minutes of the game against the Miami Heat. </p>
<p>Ankle sprains are the most common injury suffered by professional athletes, especially basketball players. While Favors’ sprain only benched him for about a week, other more serious sprains could take several weeks or more to heal. Luckily Favors’ will be ready to play again following some minor physical therapy intended to strengthen the tendons in his ankle and recover range of motion.</p>
<p>For more information about ankle sprains, check out this article from the Intermountain Healthcare Health Library.</p>
<p><b>Ankle Sprain -</b> <a href="http://healthlibrary.intermountainhealthcare.org/Search/1,2238" target="_blank">http://healthlibrary.intermountainhealthcare.org/Search/1,2238</a></p>
<p>If you’re curious about the severity of sprains, or how to know when it may be something more serious, check out this article:</p>
<p><b>Sprains, Strains, Breaks: What’s the Difference: </b><a href="http://healthlibrary.intermountainhealthcare.org/Search/1,1889" target="_blank">http://healthlibrary.intermountainhealthcare.org/Search/1,1889 </a></p>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{BCA4BD39-3439-4E8F-BF0D-0D82399A7773}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/why-exclusive-breastfeeding-is-so-important-in-the-early-newborn-period/Why Exclusive Breastfeeding Is So Important In The Early Newborn Period<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">One of the most common comments that Lactation Consultants hear is, &ldquo;My milk isn&rsquo;t in yet.&rdquo;</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">There are at least three main reasons that Mother Nature wants your baby to have only colostrum and why we stress exclusive breastfeeding in this early newborn period.&nbsp; </p>
<ol>
<li><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A Smooth Transition</span></b>. <br />
As your baby grows and develops inside your stomach, your baby swallows large amounts of fluid.&nbsp; We know that amniotic fluid has important growth factors and protective proteins that will help your baby&rsquo;s tummy and intestines.&nbsp; Colostrum is similar to amniotic fluid with these same growth factors and protective proteins.&nbsp; This amazing liquid allows a smooth transition from what your baby&rsquo;s stomach is use to as it moves toward mature breast milk.</li>
<li><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Protection</span></b>.<br />
Colostrum is considered a medicine for your baby as well as a food.&nbsp; Why? As your baby breastfeeds and gets this liquid gold, the colostrum lines the stomach and the intestines protecting it against harmful bacteria and germs. So each time you breastfeed your baby, think about how you are giving him/her a little boost to his/her immune system.&nbsp; Colostrum also acts as a natural laxative to help your baby have frequent stools which may lessen the chances for jaundice.&nbsp; The amounts of colostrum available are in perfect harmony with what your baby needs each time he/she is breastfeeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stimulation</span></b>.<br />
When your baby breastfeeds in the first couple of days, this unique sucking pattern provides the critical stimulation you as new mother needs to increase milk supply.&nbsp; Breastfeeding frequently in this early newborn period is not a sign that you &ldquo;are starving your baby&rdquo; or that &ldquo;you do not have enough to feed your baby&rdquo;.&nbsp; It is a sign that your baby knows what to do and it is good for both of you.&nbsp; Your baby is getting the colostrum that is so good for him/her and you are getting the stimulation you need for a good milk supply that hopefully will last during your entire breastfeeding experience. </li>
</ol>
<em>References:&nbsp; Paula Meir Webinar: &ldquo;What is the Evidence for the Joint Commission Core Perinatal Measure on Exclusive Breastfeeding During the Maternity Hospitalization?&rdquo; Evergreen Perinatal Education:&nbsp; &ldquo;One-Liners&rdquo; Ten Steps for Successful Breastfeeding.&nbsp; Clinical Scripts.</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700{E8E85087-4303-4278-A3CE-765B7819A3F9}http://10.40.239.128/blogs/2014/12/survive-the-holiday-marathon-with-sleep/Survive the Holiday Marathon: Sleep!<p>Is your holiday line up beginning to look more like the month long extended version of event challenges for the Tough Mudder or the uphill legs of the Ragnar Relay endurance marathon made up of a team short a few runners? As the Amazing Race begins and available openings for downtime on the event calendar diminish are you anticipating a repeat of last season&rsquo;s final episode? In flurry of festivities are your finish line photos always an image of you depleted yet still juggling work, family, traditions and expectations as you cut through that final ribbon?</p>
<p>Traditionally, it is a challenge for most people to maintain a healthy balance during the holidays. Not only is there the endless temptations of homemade treats and dinner parties that sabotage your nutrition plan, but the time for usual workouts get bumped for other commitments. Sleeping time gets snipped short as we burn the candle from both ends; leaving a short wick, a quick temper, and a get sick risk.</p>
<p>It is curious to consider our need for sleep in the big picture sense. The study of the purpose of sleep and the consequences of the lack thereof, is ongoing in the science world. In reading some recent research, an author pointed out that humans and animals alike, over time, we have not evolved sleep out of our basic needs for survival. Animals in nature are most vulnerable to attack while sleeping, and just as other traits of survival dominate, if sleep were not vital to existence it would be long gone. Even in the revolutionized, modernized, technologized world, we still need our ZZzzzz&rsquo;s. Sleep is when your body&rsquo;s metabolic needs slow to conserve energy, rebuild muscle, and balance hormones. It has a restorative purpose in the brain that keep you mentally sharp, emotionally stable, and convert short term to long term memory. Sleep deprivation has been associated with increased risk for depression, anxiety, decreased libido, poor judgement, slow response time, increase in accidents, decrease in productivity, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, increased inflammation, and decreased immune response.</p>
<p>Hopefully the evidence has you motivated to make adequate sleep one of your health goals. If you just are not a good sleeper, try these tips to make your time devoted to sleep truly rejuvenating. Making some mindful adjustment in your sleep hygiene can improve your sleep quality and quantity. </p>
<ul>
<li>Try to make a set schedule for your sleep time. Set your watch or phone alarm to cue you to get ready for bed an hour before it time for lights out and resist the urge to sleep in. Take a 20-30 minute power nap before 3 pm instead of reaching for sugar or caffeine for a power surge. </li>
<li>Avoid caffeine and alcohol the 6 hours before bedtime, the stimulant keeps you awake and alcohol interferes with REM sleep. </li>
<li>Avoid late evening heavy meals, aim for eating dinner 3 hours before going to bed. Opt for a healthy light snack instead of sugary desserts or treats if you are hungry. Cutting back of liquids in the evening minimizes bathroom trips in the night. </li>
<li>Eliminate screen time of any kind an hour before going to bed. Instead, write a list of all the loose-ends of the day that will otherwise circle in you thoughts as soon as you turn out the lights. Then, devote the 30 minutes before going to bed to doing something relaxing to wind down.</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t confuse your body&rsquo;s signals by falling asleep on the sofa or shopping on your iPad in bed. Keep your bedroom TV free, read in the recliner, mute the ringers, and turn off the lights. Keep it cool and comfortable with your favorite blanket handy.</li>
<li>If you can&rsquo;t sleep, try to avoid the sense of frustration. Get up and go to a different room and add to your loose-end list or read, then go back to bed when you feel sleepy. </li>
</ul>
<p>Put 7-8 hours of sleep on your daily to-do list, make it a priority and part of your training plan for this holiday marathon season. </p>
<p>Sleep Well, LiVe Well </p>Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0700